Shorey: Pearce will be big hit for England

READING’S Nicky Shorey believes Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce will not be distracted by taking the England Under-21 post.

Pearce accepted the FA’s invitation to manage the team for two friendlies and this summer’s European Championship in Holland after guiding City to a 3-1 FA Cup win over Southampton on Sunday.

However, the switch was held up because City and the FA had still to ratify the exact terms of his dual role, but now a deal has been thrashed out between all parties.

Pearce said: “It is a fantastic honour for me. I was planning to attend the June tournament for scouting purposes and now I will have an opportunity of getting more out of the competition by working with the best youngsters in this country and pitting my wits against coaches from different nations.”

Shorey reckons the England legend, who is one of the most highly-regarded left-backs this country has ever produced, can do both jobs.

And he says the row will not have any impact on Reading’s visit to the City of Manchester Stadium in the Premiership tomorrow.

The Royals left-back said: “The under-21s don’t meet up all the time so it wouldn’t be too much of a distraction.

“I think it’s great for England because he’s a great manager and hopefully he can work with some of the youngsters and bring the best out of them.

“I guess from City’s point of view they only want Stuart Pearce working for them and maybe they see the England job as an outside distraction.

“Everyone has their own point of view but, in my personal opinion, I don’t believe that is the case – he can do both.”

Former boss Peter Taylor quit after he was told to choose between his duties at Crystal Palace and the under-21s.

Shorey also admitted he would be “shocked” if City midfielder Joey Barton was not called-up to the England team by Steve McClaren in his squad to face Spain and heaped praise on 18-year-old Blues’ defender Micah Richards.

But the 25-year-old, who has missed just one game for Reading this season after suffering from food poisoning, played down his own chances of winning his first England cap at Old Trafford on February 7.

Shorey, though, has put in some dazzling displays for Royals and scored a scintillating goal against Tottenham Hotspur in November.

He said: “Richards has come in and done really well and I see him as playing a big part in the England set-up in the future.

“Joey Barton has been unbelievable this season and I would be really shocked if he didn’t get a call-up.

“For me it’s nice to be talked about playing for England but I just take it with a pinch of salt as there is an abundance of talent in the squad.

“I’m just looking at playing well for Reading and staying in the Premiership.

“Obviously one day I would love to play for my country which is every player’s dream.”